V&A Photography Research Centre moves forward

Work on the first phase of the development of the V&A's new Photography Research Centre has started and two former galleries are currently in the process of being converted to a single space for photography.

Phase 1 of the project will create a purpose-built storage space for the combined collections and double our display space for photography in newly designed gallery and activity spaces. This is accompanied by an extensive digitization project and an initiative for UK-wide loans. Photographs not on display will be accessible to visitors through the Prints & Drawings Study Room. Phase 2 will fully realise complementary learning programmes, research initiatives, a browsing library and photographer’s studio.

Phase 1 is expected open in mid-October 2018 and a two-day conference is planned to commemorate the coming together of the V&A and RPS photography collections in South Kensington.